The Galleries at CSU SPRING 2021 EXHIBITIONS

From Tuesday, February 23 – Saturday, April 3

"Here There Be Monsters" by Laura and Gary Dumm and "Glimpses" by Evie Zimmer

In January 2021, Kendall Christian, Director of the Galleries at CSU, contacted both Laura and Gary Dumm and CSU alumna Evie Zimmer to invite them to display their work for a Spring 2021 exhibition. Though the artists expressed some concerns about exhibiting during the pandemic and committing to a rigorous condensed schedule, both the Dumms and Zimmer accepted the offer.

Laura and Gary Dumm's exhibition was entitled "Here There Be Monsters," and Evie Zimmer’s was entitled "Glimpses." The Dumms submitted a proposal for "Here There Be Monsters" in 2019, and it had been approved by the Gallery Committee but had not been scheduled.

These talented artists were committed to meeting the expedited deadlines, providing text and photographs, and preparing their artwork for transportation and exhibition. They understood the challenges and risks and the rewards and benefits of opening exhibitions in these strange times. Within one month, the galleries and artists produced a postcard and poster; wrote, designed, and printed a 16-page catalog; received and installed 37 artworks; and fabricated labels and text panels. With the exhibit opening in record time, six student employees along with the artists were up for the challenge of getting it off the ground and running.

The Dumms already have a significant presence on the CSU campus. This husband and wife team co-created the 60-foot mural that adorns the entrance to the Michael Schwartz Library Special Collections area. As with "Here There Be Monsters," Gary drew and Laura painted the mural in the library, which is entitled "A Love Letter to Cleveland." The mural features famous people and events from Cleveland's past, presented in their powerful, colorful artistic style. All are encouraged to view this permanent public artwork in person when Special Collections reopens this fall.

From "Glimpses" By Evie Zimmer